Archive for August, 2010

I’m Jen Holman and I work with Galadriel and William at UW-La Crosse. I know just enough about web-enabling Access databases to be dangerous, but somewhat helpful. We use ERMes data as a backup when our A-to-Z list (currently powered by LibData from the University of Minnesota) goes down. Over the summer, I updated the existing ASP code to ASP.net. The code is now much simpler and ASP.net should be less taxing to your web server (which must be running at least ASP.Net 2.x).

To simplify matters, I created a new database (which lives on the web server) and pulled in just those three tables. This database is in Access 2003 format with an .mdb extension. To update the data, I just import the tables again.

The code is very simple as well:

I use SharePoint to load the database and ASP.net page to our web server. I am not sure what problems you may encounter loading this code, but please let me know.

I also have some questions for the ERMes community. I wonder if any other campuses are using the older code? Will you use the new code? Is there additional functionality you would like to see in an a-to-z list? Would anyone want to help develop new functionality, like paging?

Please respond in the comments.

A zip file containing the code and a sample database are available for download from the ERMes web site.

William and I have arranged for our staff library services organization (Wisconsin Library Services, WiLS) to host two free ERMes info/training sessions. Below are descriptions of each session and a link to register, but if you have any questions please let us know (doering.will@uwlax.edu or chilton.gala@uwlax.edu). We are particularly interested in the September 16th sessions as this will help us with future ERMes development.

WiLS is hosting two session on ERMes, the Open Source Electronic Resource Management System developed by William Doering of UW-La Crosse to help Galadriel Chilton help manage their campuses Electronic Resources. The first session on September 10 is primarily intended for people who are interested in, but not currently using ERMes. The second session on September 16 is an update for current users. http://www.wils.wisc.edu/

September 10, 2010; 2:00-3:30 CDT
Introduction to ERMes (Open Source Electronic Resource Management System)
In spring 2008, William Doering created a basic ERM system (see flyer) to help Galadriel Chilton manage the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse’s Electronic Resources. Now in its third release, ERMes is used by nearly 43 libraries world-wide. In this informational session, Bill and Galadriel will share the history and goals of ERMes, discuss what ERMes can and cannot do, and answer participant questions about this freely available e-resource management tool. Register for free session.

September 16, 2010; 2:00-3:30 CDT
The New ERMes
With the primary release of ERMes 2010.05 available, William Doering and Galadriel Chilton wish to provide ERMes users with an update of their ideas for this open source ERMS. Because their goal is to drive enhancements from user needs, this session will consist of a brief overview of future plans as well as significant time for discussion and questions. Please feel free to submit questions and discussion topics prior to the event (doering.will@uwlax.edu or chilton.gala@uwlax.edu). Register for free session.